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…our governor’s exemplary leadership inspired my return – Hon. Essien

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has described the return of the member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, Hon Moses Essien, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a home coming hence, should be given right of place in the party at all levels.

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The Governor stated this while receiving the returning Ibiono Ibom House member who was elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) back to the PDP, with a delegation of the party hierarchy and House of Assembly Members led by the State Chairman of the PDP, Elder Aniekan Akpan, and the Speaker, Rt Hon Udeme Otong.

At the brief event held at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, amidst the ongoing Executive Council retreat, the Governor commended Mr. Moses Essien for heeding to the voice of reasoning by returning to his original family.

Governor Eno said Hon. Essien’s return to the PDP only indicates a change of party nomenclature, as his commitment to the interest of the state and contribution to governance from inception of the administration has been laudable and devoid of party sentiments.

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Governor Eno further assured the returning member of full reintegration into the party at all levels as he urged the leadership of the PDP to ensure full acceptance and restoration of pride of place to Hon. Essien.

He reaffirmed that the PDP has been a family for Akwa Ibom people and will remain strong in the State irrespective of what happens in other places, given the track record of successive governments in the state.

In his words, “We warmly welcome our brother, Honourable Moses Essien, back to home. I don’t see you as a new person. You have been a member of PDP and for whatever reason you left, we want to believe you have put that behind you. We thank you for choosing to come to work with us. From inception of this administration, we have accepted to work with people across party lines. We want to thank you that even when you were in the YPP, you saw reason to work with us.

“You worked with us and we worked with you. So for us, I think today is just a change of address. There is really nothing new rather than a change of address from one party to another, and it strengthens us.

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“I want to assure you that there will be no discrimination whatsoever. We trust that you will work with your people on the ground. Fortunately, the political leader of PDP in Ibiono Ibom is our Exco member, Comr. Ini. Ememobong. I will also hand you over to him to integrate you properly and give you your right of place. You will hold meetings together and make sure we have a strong force in Ibiono Ibom,” he said.

Presenting the returnees to the Governor and leader of the PDP in the State, the Speaker, Rt Hon Udeme Otong, lauded the large-heartedness of the governor in leading the state as one family, devoid of discrimination and communicated the delight of members over the increasing unity in the House of Assembly occasioned by the return of Moses Essien, who left to seek election on the platform of other parties.
He affirmed that 25 of the 26 House Members are now in the PDP family.

The State Party Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, on his part, described the return of Hon. Essien as a victory for the PDP.

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He noted that the lawmaker who left the party as an ordinary member has now returned as an elected legislator, assuring that the party, in line with Governor Umo Eno’s leadership disposition, has embraced the returning member and will integrate him to build a stronger PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

On his part, the Director-General of the Pastor Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Organisation, Chief Assam Assam, SAN appreciated Hon. Essien for returning to the PDP fold and urged him to be more committed to the party.

Earlier in his remark, Hon Moses Essien thanked the Governor and the PDP in Akwa Ibom State for the warm reception accorded him, explaining that his return was informed by his belief in the Governor’s clearly defined ARISE Agenda and inclusive governance.

He pledged his support to the Umo Eno-led administration to ensure the successful implementation of his lofty plans for the State.